And I am LOVING the sun we have been blessed with this Easter Holiday…so far at least, hopefully lots of playing out, long dog walks and NO XBOX – in my dreams anyway!

We have an extra Objet D'Art in our garden, though for almost a year it had been taking up a space on my front drive…finally, Dan's 40th birthday present, his very own pizza oven has been set up and last night was its glorious first use!

So I and the children rather cheekily added ourselves to Dan's boys only crumpet evening last night (which is a group of guys who rotate trashing each other's kitchens whilst creating delicious food)! As this month was Dan's turn, pizza was most definitely on the menu!

It was just an awesome evening (Joe's words!) everyone was joining in, even Maddie carrying the pizza peel (the long-handled spade thing) over to the oven.

The speed the pizza cooks at is like lightning so there was little time to sit and chill before the next one was created and popped in.

Tom was in heaven and is having a pizza party for his 13th birthday here at home, hence the need to get sorted and get it right before the pressure of hormonal teenagers adds to the mix.Seeing Dan throw the dough and then tasting the delicious offerings the boys made, I reckon we could've charged! They were that professional.

Today however, just to balance the dough that's been consumed especially as I rarely eat bread and things these days, I went green…green soup in my cook's essentials soup maker and then a healthy smoothie. Pilates is off the agenda this week as the children are off school and I just want to stay healthy as a cracker of a cold got me last weekend – weird, isn't it, as the weather improves we still come down with stuff.

I have a wonderful glut of eggs thanks to my girls who must be enjoying this weather too. I feel a baking session coming over me – or is that dressing room rivalry with Miss Jackie Kabler who seems to be coming over all domestic goddess with cakes being posted up on Twitter? We shall see about that!

Eggs aside, Maddie and Dan are rather miffed as their planted herb and veg beds are somewhat dishevelled, no doubt Adele is the culprit…check the back of the picture – she is hastily exiting! She is our chicken who doesn't think she is one and is a very frequent visitor INTO the house, much to Gussie's disgust!

I had a special birthday firstly enjoyed on air with flowers from Kathy Taylor and wonderful birthday wishes from so many of you, including a cake brought onto me by Dan, our floor manager, who was spotted giving my bottom a cheeky squeeze by some of you who watched the clip up on Grabyo!

I loved my catch-up time with Dan, who whisked me away to Southwold…that said actually leaving at 11.45am after copious amounts of e-mails and phone calls were carried out would hardly be classed as "whisked" away! Still, our 24 hours together were just lovely and relaxing. I took my Damsel in a Dress black and white number to wear for dinner (I'm sure I heard a little intake of breath when Dan walked in and saw me! Hee hee, still got it, even though I'm 21…again!)

I then had a pampering evening with some of my lovely girlfriends, we took over a local beauty spa and drank prosecco, ate nibbles, had treatments and laughed a lot. I loved it.

One thing I was complimented on during my birthday week was my skin, with Maddie saying I only look 40 without my makeup, Joe saying I don't need makeup and my friend Julie said my skin was the envy of many! CRIKEY -woohoo – how very kind (good job I have sufficient negative thoughts of my own to balance such wonderful compliments ..!).

My beauty routine like many of yours varies but a constant and adored brand I use is the brilliant Elemis. In fact I wanted to let you know that joy upon joys the TSV for this Sunday 13th is in fact from Elemis – I shall be letting many people I care about know, so, as you all fit into that category…take this as your official "let know"!

The value is CRAZY GOOD – £170 value is what we're looking at…I know! This is when you can be sure all of QVC will be chomping at the bit to get theirs and I can guarantee that lots of multiple purchases will be made too. I am thrilled as always to be sitting in with Keeley at 1pm on Sunday and will so look forward to sharing with you the utter genius of the eight-piece collection.

I got a little artistic in this glorious sunshine and photographed it in my garden …once again Adele the chicken wanted to get involved! As much as I'm grateful to my chick for the eggs, when it comes to sharing my Elemis, it's a NO!

You can indulge body and face, let alone your mind with this brilliant collection – it's a chance perhaps to try the much adored and one of the youngest of the Elemis family, the stunner that is the Cleansing Balm. I'm a huge fan and I' m not alone, Chloe has written in her blog of her skin trials and how this has truly helped her. Pro Collagen Flash Balm is another fave I love using…in fact there's not one thing I don't and won't use. Oh, and the eagle-eyed amongst you may have noticed the Skin Nourishing Shower Cream was only half full! It is a VITAL part of my job you understand!

Elemis is responsible I feel, for me being given the skin compliments I received last month on my birthday! So, thanks Elemis and thanks QVC! You helped make an "old bird" very happy!

I hope the sun is shining over you wherever you may be and I shall look forward to filling you in on more bits amd bobs that keep me busy and amused! In between popping in on you on:

Saturday 12th at 10 with Yong Kim, at 12 with Richard Jackson and at 2 pm with Kipling – great TSV with Marie FrancoiseSunday 13th at 9 with Mr "Roots" Jackson again! At 10 with Ronnie Nicole and at 1 pm Elemis TSV time! Monday 14th at 9, 11 and 2pm, morning show, Kelly Hoppen and Lenny with Nina Leonard Thursday 17th at 9, 11 and 2pmGood Friday a 1pm, 3pm and 4pm with Bob Mackie, Carol Hochman sleepwear and the 16th Anniversary with Mr Richard Jackson Easter Monday and the 22nd too – no time for Easter Eggs sadly…or luckily!

Incidentally I really hope you all saw my small note of thanks for your wonderful response to my blog on World Down's Awareness, as said in that I ALWAYS love hearing back from you and eagerly check in for our "chats"!

Lots of love to you all,

Claire x

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3 Comments

Hello Gorgeous Girl,
Well here we go again as always many thanks for your lovely newsy blogs, I am so pleased that you had such a special Birthday, very well deserved if I may say so, and what fun to create your own pizzas,it must be the dream of all children to have a pizza oven in their very own garden. I am sure you will soon be having even more friends visiting you! I have to say I actually managed to read through all of your news without tears this time, and also congratulations on your wonderful home and garden. I will be looking forward to the Elemis TSV as it is a real favourite of mine, have a very happy Easter and spoil yourself with the odd egg or three.
Take care,
Love Gwen.

Hi Claire…what a fab pressie the pizza ocean sounds and a great idea for a teenagers party..you could rent it out! I love the idea of Dan’s crumpet evenings..sounds much like those my husband has although they don’t cook just drink beer and talk rubbish, usually in our large cabin at the end of the garden!! I usually go in the next day and clean up glasses, chip papers and empty cans and bottles. I’m glad you had a great birthday and had a moment of time for yourself.. and what great compliments from your children. I work in a school and my age rage of guesses is between 25 (!) and 45. When I tell them I am 48 they usually reply that”that’s well old miss, your as old as my nan!” They must have started young I think. I bought the Xmas elem is tsv but to be honest ,mix and match to whatever is on offer as I am in a budget. I bought the decleor prolagine gel pick of the month and alternate it with my collagen gel. I also combine Judith Williams and gatineau. However I always use cleanse and polish and my daughter now uses it too plus SBC pro polis gel which has really made a huge difference to her hormonal skin. Thank you to QVC for giving us great value and amazing choices for all budgets.
Being a keen baker I am so jealous of your egg production..the nearest I get to that is by buying free range from the farmer but nothing can compare to the freshness of a newly laid egg. Happy baking!!
Life is busy and even though its svhool holidays I’ve been so busy I don’t remember the day or date. Chloe has had lots of cricket and jack has been at school ach morning revising for his GCSE exams which start in May..maths on Friday 13th!!! He’s been playing golf every afternoon so mum’s taxi service is well and truly being used and abused!!
Have a great easter. Love to you all. Mary xx

Hello Beautiful
So lovely to hear all your news and glad you had a lovely birthday. Sounds like you were very spoiled – and quite right too! Ordered my Elemis TSV today (and the bronzing body lotion) so good to know my Elemis cupboard will be stocked up once again – can’t bear to think about ever running out lol!
I too am just back from Suffolk – a walking trip for our business, creating walking guides for Adnams pubs (it’s a hard life!!). Although 60 miles in 6 days did feel quite hard!
The new pizza oven looks AMAZING! My hubbie has been dreaming of one of those for years. He makes fabulous pizza in the kitchen oven, but he always says it just isn’t the same as an outdoor proper pizza oven. He’s got a big birthday coming up this year too – would you be able to tell me roughly how big your oven is and where you sourced it from??
You take care Claire and speak soon
Claire x